($20, Montcalm Wine Importers, Ltd): The name of the DOC — either Alto Adige or Südtirol — reflects the dual identity of this part of northern Italy, which abuts Austria.  But this is a singularly appealing wine.  Lagrein, not a well-known grape, should have more widespread popularity because it can produce a reasonably robust wine devoid of searing tannins and balanced by uplifting acidity. … Read more

($25, Opici Wines): Monteverro, a relatively new player in Bolgheri sweepstakes, is aiming to join the Ornellaia and Sassicaia Super Tuscan club with their red wine.  So it came as a great surprise to see the quality of this white.  Their 2014 Vermentino is crisp, with an enticing floral whiff. … Read more

($42, Palm Bay International): Ferrari is one of, if not the, top producer of sparkling wine in Trentino.   This splendid one, Perlé, is made entirely from Chardonnay grown in a single vineyard.  A firm backbone of acidity supports and balances its suave creaminess.  … Read more

($60, Opici Imports): Terra di Monteverro is the second wine of Monteverro.  Though it’s a similar blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, the components have been selected because they are less structured and more accessible.  Since the blend is less dense, it also undergoes less oak aging. … Read more

($55, Artisans Wines, Inc.): Since Montenidoli is one of the star producers of Vernaccia di San Gimignano, their red wines, such as this IGT Toscana, are often overlooked.  That’s a mistake, since this one, labeled redundantly Sono Montenidoli for emphasis, is a sleeper of a Super Tuscan. … Read more

($22, Dalla Terra Direct): Tascante is the name of the Mount Etna project of Tasca d’Almerita, one of the locomotives that have brought Sicilian wines to the world’s attention.  (The name is an amalgamation of Tasca appended to Etna, spelled backwards.) … Read more

($20, Montcalm Wine Importers): Made from the Carignano del Sulcis grape, the local name for Carignan grown in the Sulcis region of southwestern Sardinia, Buio Buio is a name to remember.  For a vigorous and robust red, it has surprising finesse. … Read more

($16, Dalla Terra Winery Direct): Alois Lageder, one of the Alto Adige’s greatest producers, makes a host of stunning single vineyard wines.  They also make lower priced wines, like this one, from grapes grown in a broader area that still transmit the character of the variety and the region. … Read more

($25, Banville & Jones Wine Merchants): Terlano, the name of the co-op formed in 1860, is also the name of the town, which can lead to some confusion.  There’s nothing confusing about the wine, however.  This harmonious blend of Pinot Bianco (60%), Chardonnay (30%) and Sauvignon Blanc combines richness with vibrancy.  … Read more

($18, Folio Fine Wine Partners): Despite its copper hue, Attems’ Pinot Grigio is not a rosé. Indeed, it is among the few renditions of Pinot Grigio that have an ever-so-slightly rusty pink color to them because the grape itself is pink skinned. … Read more

($17, Folio Fine Wine Partners): This wine explains the popularity of Pinot Grigio.  Subtle floral quality and hint of peachiness all supported and amplified by a zingy backbone.  This is the real thing.  A versatile wine, it’s well suited as a stand-alone aperitif or, because of its depth, as an accompaniment to grilled striped bass or similar seafood.  … Read more

($12, San Felice, USA): San Felice, one of Tuscany’s great red wine producers, also makes this vibrant white from mostly (85%) Vermentino.  A touch of Sauvignon Blanc makes it even more energetic.  It’s a thoughtful blend because the combination of its lively character and depth make it an ideal accompaniment for simple summer seafood. … Read more

($37, Banfi Vintners): Castello Banfi, best known for its stunning Brunello di Montalcino, also produces an array of “Super Tuscan” wines, one of which is Cum Laude, an unconventional blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese and Syrah.  The 2010 Cum Laude may be their best ever. … Read more

($20): Mionetto, one of Prosecco’s leading producers, bottles a number of different ones.  This one, an Extra-Dry — which paradoxically means it’s not the driest — is delicate and lacey.  Slightly rounder than a Brut, it nonetheless has a refreshing crispness and green apple-like flavors. … Read more

 ($25, Banfi Imports): Castello Banfi, one of the leading producers Brunello di Montalcino, introduced Belnero a few years ago.  It is composed almost exclusively of Sangiovese, though small amounts of “international varieties” are included in the blend.  It has gotten better and better over the years. … Read more

($120, Vinifera Imports): Flaccianello is the flagship wine from Fontodi, a superb producer located in the Conca d’Oro (the golden shell) or heart of the Chianti Classico region.  This pure Sangiovese beauty comes from their best grapes.  Giovanni Manetti says they look for the smallest bunches, usually found on the vines at the top of their vineyards, that provide a better ratio of skin to juice. … Read more

($33, Banfi Imports): Castello Banfi, one of the top producers of Brunello di Montalcino, also makes excellent wines from outside of that revered DOCG zone.  This one, a blend of Cabernet, Merlot, Sangiovese, and Syrah, clearly nods toward the “modern” style with lush red and black fruit flavors, but still has an complementary and intriguing Brunello-like dark, earthy, almost chocolaty component. … Read more